From Albury High to the Air Force: Praveen Pathmanathan Soars Towards a Promising Future

Praveen Pathmanathan, the 2023 School Captain of Albury High School, continues to make his school community proud as he charts a remarkable path in both leadership and learning. A standout student from the beginning, Praveen was also School Captain and Dux of Albury West Public School in 2016, demonstrating a commitment to excellence that has remained constant throughout his educational journey.

At Albury High School, Praveen embraced every opportunity available. His leadership role saw him guiding and inspiring fellow students, while his active involvement in sports reflected a strong sense of discipline and personal development. Praveen was a role model across the school—driven, humble, and engaged in all facets of student life.

After graduating, Praveen followed a long-held dream and was accepted into the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) to study Aeronautical Engineering. His ultimate goal is to become an Aeronautical Engineering Officer in the Royal Australian Air Force, where he will oversee critical tasks including aircraft maintenance. Now in his third and final year at ADFA, Praveen is preparing to complete his honours in 2026, combining military training with university education to prepare for a career of service and innovation.

Praveen credits Albury High School with giving him the academic foundation he needed to thrive. Subjects like Physics, Engineering Studies, and Design & Technology provided both theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for his degree. He fondly remembers Mr. Miller, his Design & Technology and Engineering Studies teacher, as a mentor who nurtured his curiosity and inspired him to think critically and creatively.

More than just academics, Praveen believes it was the broad range of experiences at Albury High that shaped him into a well-rounded individual. Balancing sport, study, and leadership gave him the resilience and confidence to tackle challenges at ADFA and beyond. These skills, he says, have been just as important as academic knowledge in setting him up for success.

Outside the classroom, Praveen continues to embrace life with energy and enthusiasm. He enjoys outdoor activities like running, mountain biking, and camping—passions he developed while growing up in Albury. At ADFA, he’s added climbing and bouldering to his list of hobbies, becoming an active member of the outdoor recreation club.

Despite his busy schedule and new city, Praveen remains connected to his Albury High friends. Whether catching up in Albury or reconnecting over summer trips, the bonds formed during his school years remain strong. These lasting friendships and shared experiences are a testament to the strong, supportive culture of Albury High School.

Praveen Pathmanathan’s journey is a proud reminder of what can be achieved through hard work, opportunity, and a school community that believes in its students.